Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Dustin Antolin, who played at the Major League level in 2016.

Antolin enters his first season with the Somerset Patriots and his first in the Atlantic League.

Antolin was originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 11th round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii. After being drafted by the Blue Jays, Antolin spent the first nine seasons of his professional career with the franchise.

In 2016, Antolin pitched his way to AAA for the first time in his career, maintaining a 2.04 ERA and picking up 61 strikeouts in his 46 appearances spanning 53 innings. Antolin’s standout campaign led him to be named a 2016 International League All-Star.

While excelling in AAA-Buffalo, Antolin was called up to the Big Leagues to make his MLB debut on May 16, 2016.

This season, Antolin began his 2017 campaign with the AAA-Syracuse Chiefs of the Washington Nationals organization. The right-hander saw action in 24 games, making four starts, and striking out 43 batters over 50 innings of work.

Over the course of his 10-year professional career, Antolin has appeared in 327 games, including six starts, winning 31 games and saving 18 while striking out 438 batters over 453.1 career innings.

Antolin is expected to join the team and be activated during the series against the New Britain Bees this weekend.

Tickets to the 2017 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford, which includes the team’s 20th Anniversary, are on sale. For more information, stop by the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 37 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.